2026 International Ocean Film Festival: Florida Tour

Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute hosted the 2026 International Ocean Film Festival: Florida Tour June 6 on its waterfront campus in Fort Pierce.

The event, now in its fourth year, is a growing World Ocean Day tradition on the Treasure Coast. The sell-out crowd of more than 320 guests enjoyed an afternoon of ocean-inspired independent films, interactive exhibits showcasing FAU Harbor Branch research, and one-on-one interactions with scientists and students.

In addition, the event more-than doubled the funds raised from last year to support students at the institute. This year’s fundraising total has reached more than $15,000 to support student opportunities, including research experiences, conference travel, scientific publication support, and professional development, all of which are vital activities for academic and professional success.

“The International Ocean Film Festival is a unique opportunity for our local community to connect directly with our work at FAU Harbor Branch while also supporting the next generation of marine scientists and ocean stewards,” said Brandon McHenry, assistant director of development at FAU Harbor Branch. “The combination of riveting independent films, interactive exhibits, engaging conversations and the beautiful backdrop of our waterfront campus form the perfect recipe for an eye-opening and inspiring shared experience.”

This year’s lineup of 10 films covered topics ranging from the effects of ocean plastics to sustainable seafood to species conservation and restoration. A crowd favorite was “Stone Biters: Saving the Arctic Sea Forests,” which documented filmmaker Ismaele Tortella’s search for the iconic wolffish in the icy waters off Norway, and his shocking discovery that the ancient kelps forests he expected to explore had all but disappeared. One of the film’s executive producers, Tom Fitz, a world-renowned nature cinematographer, producer, and director, was in attendance at the film festival.

The screenings were split into three sessions, giving guests the opportunity to mingle with FAU Harbor Branch exhibitors and get a behind-the-scenes peek at the high-tech research equipment used to study oceans and coastal ecosystems, both locally and around the globe. Guests could also visit the marine mammal ambulance and learn about the institute’s ongoing rescue and conservation work with Florida’s dolphins and whales.

Always a fan favorite, Humphrey the life-sized inflatable humpback whale was a fun photo opportunity to remember the day at FAU Harbor Branch.

The event was sponsored by Schmidt Marine Technology Partners; John and Barbara Ferrera; Don and Penny Pray; Fort Pierce Utilities Authority; and Christopher Lee Jones. Learn more about FAU Harbor Branch at www.fau.edu/hboi.